WILMINGTON, N.C. —  With the Locker Box Initiative, high school girls create locker boxes for girls in middle school with everything from sanitary products, self-care products and information about relationship abuse. 

What You Need To Know

  • Operation Pretty Things is designed to be an on-call resource for shelters and victims of abuse by meeting their immediate needs, as well as offering life-impacting gifts, services and support

  • They created 600 locker boxes to give to middle school girls around New Hanover County 

  • Operation Pretty Things partners with organizations that provide shelter and services to victims of abuse and sexual assault

  • According to the North Carolina Department of Administration, in the 2021-22 fiscal year 94,125 people called sexual assault or domestic violence hotlines

Executive director Missy Bennett began Operation Pretty Things to raise awareness of domestic violence. The Locker Box Initiative is designed to educate younger girls on early warning signs of abuse. 

“The most important part of this and the reason that we have created this program is because of the red flag cards right here. These cards have 11 signs of abuse on them. Anything from made me feel bad about myself, told me what I can and cannot wear or who I can and cannot be friends with,” Bennett said. 

These red flag cards have 11 examples of relationship violence as well as resources and hotlines for these girls to use when needed. 

Abbie Hohl is one of many high school girls giving back to the younger girls in her community through this initiative. 

“I learned that it's all about like helping a community of women who's dealt with things that isn't the best. I got excited and I really wanted to help out,” Hohl said. 

Hohl is a sophomore at Isaac Bear Early College in Wilmington. This is her second time working with Operation Pretty Things to support their mission in raising awareness of domestic violence. 

“By me doing this, I feel like I'm actually helping out my community. I am making it better for those who live here, and I'm also showing support for those who need it,” Hohl said. 

“It happens at any age. Relationship abuse. It can happen to anybody in general. And by showing girls, especially younger girls, what's happening, it helps a lot to show, 'Hey, you can see, you can get help for others who are experiencing this,'” Hohl said. 

Hohl is an advocate for the red flag cards placed in every box. 

“By giving these then the red flag card, it's showing them, 'Hey, if this happens to you, you are not alone.' By doing these things, it's helping them say, 'Hey, it's not right.' That's abusive. Call someone, find help. People are here to help you,” Hohl said. 

Hohl wants to let every person, especially younger girls, know that if they're facing relationship abuse, they can get out of it. 

“They're going through something that no one needs to go through and it could be very hard on them. So by helping them out, it shows them, 'Hey, we support you.' Call for help. We are here to help you out with whatever you need help with,” Hohl said. 

One week before school starts, the group will bring the boxes to middle schools around New Hanover County.